Conventional Steam Saunas Vs. Infrared Saunas - Which
Sauna Is
By C.J. Gustafson
The health benefits of steam saunas have been recognized forcenturies,
beginning with sweat lodges, traditional Finnishsaunas, and other methods
of heating the body and producingperspiration that cleanses the cells
and pores. Typically, aheat source such as a wood, electric or gas sauna
stove is usedto produce the heat in a sauna. But in recent years, atechnology
known as far infrared has been used to replace thetraditional steam
sauna with infrared saunas, and some peoplefeel that the result is superior.
How Does A Far Infrared Sauna Work? Manufacturers say that farinfrared
saunas use infrared light to heat the skin directly,rather than warming
the air first. In an infrared sauna, aheater produces this radiant energy,
which is similar to theheat from the sun. Most of these heaters draw
on technologydeveloped in 1965 by Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa, a member of
theResearch and Development Department of Fuji Medical.
Infrared sauna promoters state that unlike UV radiation oratomic
radiation, infrared radiant heat is safe and beneficial.When infrared
rays hit your skin, they transfer heat energy,which proponents say penetrates
more than an inch and a halfinto the body to heal and stimulate tissues,
making it aneffective therapy for arthritis and tissue injuries.
In addition, the heat causes you to sweat, thus achieving healthbenefits
similar to those from a conventional steam sauna. Infact, some say that
the more penetrating and intense heat of afar infrared sauna makes you
sweat 2-3 times more, resulting inmore comprehensive cleansing.
Reasons to Choose a Far Infrared Sauna Those who favor the useof
the far infrared sauna say that the right frequency ofinfrared rays
triggers a process called resonant absorption,wherein toxins are removed
from the cells in our bodies at ahigher rate than with a steam sauna.
When comparing infraredsaunas to standard indoor or outdoor saunas,
infrared hasseveral other advantages.
Perhaps one of the most important differences betweenconventional
saunas and far infrared saunas is that theyfunction at a lower heat
setting. Standard U.S. saunas typicallyoperate at temperatures ranging
from 180F to 190F. This highheat can be uncomfortable or even dangerous
for some people,especially those with cardiovascular problems.
In addition, the heavy, thick air can be difficult to breathe,and
the evaporation can dry out membranes in the nose and eyes.Sometimes
the exceptionally high temperatures make the woodbenches and any metal
surfaces extremely hot as well, creatingpotential for burns.
A far infrared sauna functions between 100F and 130F. Claimsstate
that less than 20% of the infrared energy from the heatergoes into the
air, so not only does the body receive 80% of theheat benefits, some
people find that the air is more tolerable.And other than the heaters,
there are no hot surfaces to worryabout.
Another claim of infrared sauna manufacturers is that aninfrared
sauna heater uses considerably less electricity thanindoor or outdoor
saunas that use electricity to heat. Plus, thesauna is usually warm
within 10 or 20 minutes, whereas aconventional sauna can take over an
hour to reach optimaltemperatures.
And infrared uses no water, so you don’t have to plumb pipes
orpay for that additional expense. In fact, many feel thatinfrared saunas
are easier to assemble and they can be moved toa new location with relative
ease.
The Other Side of the Sauna Story On the flip side of thecomparison,
many people feel that a steam sauna providesbenefits that can’t be matched
by a far infrared sauna. Theirmain position is that the steam produced
by a conventional saunais essential to the healing process, especially
in regard torespiratory health.
In response to those who say a steam sauna will dry outmembranes,
supporters of Finnish and other conventional saunasstate that the steam
is beneficial to those with sinusconditions and add that because they
operate without steam,infrared saunas are drying and can irritate nasal
and lungpassages. In addition the dry heat from infrared saunas cancause
hair to dry out and skin to become itchy and flaky.
Supporters of conventional saunas feel that information aboutthe
health benefits of saunas that operate with infrared havebeen exaggerated
or claimed without proof. They refer todifferent studies that show a
traditional sauna produces moresweat and removes more toxins.
And some say that any radiation, even infrared, is unhealthy
andshould be avoided. An infrared sauna has several heaters, andbathers
must sit within a foot of the heat source in order togain full benefits.
In some cases, this has caused people tofeel sunburned following an
infrared sauna.
Others who prefer conventional saunas feel that a steam saunasimply
feels more healthy and refreshing. And because you cancontrol the steam,
heat, and humidity by adding more water ormoving to a higher or lower
bench in the sauna, you can tailorthe experience to match your needs
and preferences.
Some people prefer a sauna that is heated with wood, allowing
atraditional heat source as well as the option to add smoke tothe sauna
for additional purifying features. Others addaromatherapy oils to their
sauna steam to create a dualcleansing and healing effect. This is typically
not possiblewith an infrared sauna.
And there is the tradition and ritual that comes along withcertain
aspects of a sweat lodge or Finnish sauna that have beena part of different
cultures for hundreds of years. For manypeople, a sauna is not only
key to a healthy physical life, itis also important to overall spiritual
health, and making thesteam, or læyly (lou-lu), is an important part
of that ritual.
Gain First-Hand Knowledge Before Choosing When it comes tochoosing
between an infrared sauna and a steam sauna or one thatoperates with
more conventional technology, it is best to tryeach type yourself and
to talk with people who own them. Taketime to fully research your options
and talk to your doctorabout health concerns with either type of sauna.
In the end, thechoice may come down to limitations in budget, space
available,preferences in heating sources, or other personal factors.
No matter which you choose, you will be joining the ranks ofmillions
of people who use and enjoy saunas to improve theirhealth, provide relief
and relaxation from life’s stresses,socialize with friends and family,
and even find spiritual peace.
About the author: C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer forhttp://www.saunas-n-sauna-kits.com
providing consumerinformation on familysauna kits.
Copyright 2005 Saunas-N-Sauna-Kits.com
